About this project

£13,872

pledged of £10,000 goal

270

backers

Yamination is the hub of multi-award winning stop-motion/frame animator,
Drew Roper. ‘At-issue’ is his
brand new short film about Bartholomew, an unemployed lovable puppet, and his
audition for the dream job – acting. But when a bizarre affliction strikes, he grasps
that unless he can learn to be himself, his dream won’t be realised.

Falling short of your own expectations and never
giving up on your dreams is something everyone can relate to; this film gives a
light hearted spin on that and some of the cultural issues facing Britain today.
Bartholomew’s situation is one that many people face, so we are demonstrating
that there is hope if you keep the faith, the persistence and the determination.

We are currently mid-way through production, but you can help us reach the
finish line by pledging absolutely anything you can to help us finish the film. Please share the page and spread the word!

Drew’s roots are firmly set in the Black Country and, with a lack of
creative enterprises in the area, his desire to establish a successful
animation hub in the centre of Birmingham is fitting.

The view of Birmingham from Yamination Studios. Image courtesy of Ian Davies Photography.

We hope that Yamination Studios will help generate a movement of innovative creativity, not only pushing the boundaries of animation, but aiding the upkeep of emerging British talent. ‘At-issue’ will act as a stepping stone in this respect.

Drew was successful in attaining Sky Arts/IdeasTap sponsorship via the Futures Fund scheme, which has sustained the project so far and enabled word to spread. Since then, momentum has really picked up;Sky Arts recently produced a short documentary about Drew, demonstrating his passion for the project and the buzz of the studio.

Everyone in ‘At-issue’ is a 2D character, whereas our hapless hero Bartholomew
is a stop-motion puppet, highlighting his individuality. The stop-motion sets
have been painstakingly built by a small team of graduates and professionals
over an eight month period. Their incredible attention to detail has given the
film its own visual style.

Colour tests of Bartholomew's 2D incarnation, by artist Gillian Reid

Armature created by Aardman Animation's Andrew Bloxham, for Bartholomew's puppet

The intricate detail on Bartholomew's clothing is the work of Nancy Stott

Testing Bartholomew's mouth

Concept art for the 'typically British' high street

The beautifully crafted cinema set

Watch the following video for a sneak preview of 'At-issue'

At Yamination we’re a varied and diverse bunch, ranging from experienced
industry pros to recent graduates and students. The project has so far been
reliant on the passion, time and skills (all of which have been generously
donated) of these and many other individuals who all believe in the film and Yamination
Studios’ future aspirations:

For our Kickstarter campaign we are aiming to raise £10,000 - but realistically we need to aim for more. We require £30,000+ in order to complete ‘At-issue’ and share Bartholomew’s story with the
world. This may sound a lot, but considering the ambitious nature of the
project it does
not stretch far! This funding will enable us to maintain the high quality of ‘At-issue’ and to complete the film
faster.

A percentage will go towards fees generated by Kickstarter. Another
amount has been budgeted to cover the cost of rewards and postage to our generous
supporters. The remainder will be dispersed between studio costs, such as rent,
lighting and equipment, and payment to those who have contributed their time to
create an incredible end result. We would like to emphasize Drew will NOT be receiving any of the money raised, it is purely for the benefit of the film. Any leftover money will go towards entering ‘At-issue’ into prestigious awards
festivals, in order to raise the profile of Yamination Studios.

Here's some of the products and experiences we'd like to offer to you lovely people....

The first 25 pledges of £125 (or more) will also receive a ticket to the Wrap Party - your chance to network with industry professionals and celebrate with Yamination Studios!!!

(Date to be confirmed upon completion of the film. Ticket does not include transport & accommodation.)

You too can have the chance to animate with our puppet, Bartholomew, for £250

Receive a personalised character turnaround, by artist Gillian Reid for all pledges over £750

We want MORE people to see our final film! We would like to offer everyone who pledges £10 or above the chance to watch the completed film online!!!! (This applies to everyone who has already pledged £10+)

We have also lowered the prices of some of our fantastic rewards. Scroll down the right hand side of the page and see if there's anything you fancy!

Please help support Yamination Studios by choosing a pledge and get a wonderful reward! If you can't pledge, share this page and reach new people!

Thank you!

Risks and challenges

The main risk we face is not raising the funds, which determines whether or not we can complete the project. We have been so reliant on favours from industry professionals; ideally, we would love to be able to pay all the crew members who have contributed, including our team of graduates and students.

As with most films, deadlines can be up in the air too. We are aiming to complete ‘At-issue’ within three months of receiving funding, should we be successful. If this changes and, as a result, we are unable to send certain rewards by the estimated date, we will notify our supporters of any changes. With regards to rewards where a private download of the film or DVD is available (all rewards including and exceeding £25), we would ask you to be patient and await your rewards. Due to constraints with animation and film festivals we are unable to make the film public in order to be nominated, therefore we hope you understand and support us in this process, and you will be the first to see the film outside of festivals!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £25 or more
About $40

You wonderful pledgers will receive a thank you from the team, a download of the 'At-issue' desktop wallpaper, a signed postcard, a PDF of 'The Making of At-issue' full of exclusive images and insights into Yamination Studios. You will also get a link to watch the film online before it is released to the public!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £35 or more
About $56

For this generous pledge we would like to send you a thank you, a download of the 'At-issue' desktop wallpaper, a signed postcard, a PDF of 'The Making of At-issue', a private link to watch the film online, a fantastic signed A3 poster for 'At-issue', along with a personal thank you listed in the films credits.
Delivery estimate TBC.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £45 or more
About $72

'AT-ISSUE' PACK 1:

You wonderful people will receive a thank you, a download of the 'At-issue' desktop wallpaper, a signed postcard, a PDF of 'The Making of At-issue', a private link to watch the film online, a signed A3 poster, an additional thank you on the film credits PLUS a signed DVD with bonus features; including 'The History of Denim' (2012) and 'Dougie' (2009) and extra footage from 'At-issue'
Delivery estimate TBC.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £55 or more
About $88

EXPERIENCE PACK 1:
For this wonderful pledge you will receive the complete 'At-issue' Pack 1! You will also enjoy a 20 minute animation surgery with Director Drew Roper via Skype, with the chance to pick his brains about the creative industry!
Delivery estimate TBC.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £75 or more
About $120

Yamination Studios would love to send you everything in the 'AT-ISSUE PACK 1' - but in place of the A3 poster we would like to upgrade you to a A1 film poster of 'At-issue' signed by Drew Roper. We will also send you a limited edition Yamination Studios t-shirt created in partnership with the award winning fashion brand Luke 1977.
Delivery estimate TBC.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £100 or more
About $160

'AT-ISSUE' PACK 2 (EVERY PLEDGE FROM THIS POINT WILL RECEIVE THIS PACK!!):

For this pledge you will receive everything from the £75 pledge. You will also receive an original production clean up drawing from 'At-issue' created by the talented 2D Animator Charles McRae ('Scooby Doo', 'The Animals of Farthing Wood', 'Penny Crayon', 'The Poddington Peas' and many more!)
Delivery estimate TBC.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £120 or more
About $192

SPECIAL OFFER!! WAS £160!!! EXPERIENCE PACK 2:
We would like to offer you an exciting opportunity to be a frame catcher on the set of 'At-issue'. Spend the day at the studio, and work in partnership with leading animators by photographing each frame. Fantastic chance to watch and learn from a skilled professional. You will also be credited for your work on the final film.

We aim to have the film completed by December 2013, so please only pledge for this reward if you would be available to do this during November/December. Delivery estimate TBC

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £125 or more
About $200

Along with 'AT-ISSUE' PACK 2 You lovely lot will have the chance to come and visit Yamination Studios in Birmingham. Spend a couple of hours and meet the talented team, witness professionals at work, see the beautiful props and sets from 'At-issue' and gain an exclusive insight of our world.

A date will be decided at the convenience of yourself and the studio.
Delivery estimate TBC

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £125 or more
About $200

SPECIAL OFFER!! WAS £200!!! EXPERIENCE PACK 4:
Yamination Studios's Director of Photography, Sai Smith, will be offering the chance to experience a group cinematography masterclass day. Sai has shot hundreds of thousands of music & promo videos, TV commercials and feature films using standard industry professional equipment such as Kino Flo, Dedo and Arri lighting and state of the art cameras from Canon 7D's, 5D's and Arri Alexa's to the RED Epic. You will get the chance to be using such state of the art equipment in your masterclass.

Date to be confirmed at a future time depending on the availability of Sai and yourself.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £150 or more
About $240

SPECIAL OFFER!! WAS £200!!! EXPERIENCE PACK 5:
Similar to EXPERIENCE PACK 2, you can be a frame catcher on the set of 'At-issue', the difference is... you will be shooting the FINAL SHOT of the whole film!!! Spend the day at the studio, and work in partnership with leading animators by photographing each frame. Fantastic chance to watch and learn from a skilled professional, and experience the exciting atmosphere that comes with nearing the completion of a professional project! You will also be credited for your work on the final film. We aim to have the film completed by December 2013, so please only pledge for this reward if you would be available to do this during November/December. Will be a good chance to have a christmas celebration with the crew too. Delivery estimate TBC.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £250 or more
About $400

EXPERIENCE PACK 6:
TO ALL FUTURE STOP-MOTION ANIMATORS!!!! We would like to offer you the chance to animate with our puppet, Bartholomew. He has been professionally crafted by one of Aardman Animations Head Model Makers, the extremely talented, Andrew Bloxham. You will be assisted by the professional animators at the studio, and we will record footage of your experience. Animation footage will not be used within 'At-issue', however you will be able to use any footage shot for your own show reel.

Date to be confirmed at a future time depending on the availability of the studio and yourself.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £400 or more
About $641

SPECIAL OFFER!! WAS £500!!! EXPERIENCE PACK 7:
Yamination Studios would like to offer you the opportunity to experience an Animation Masterclass with industry professional, Tim Allen, character animator on Tim Burton's 'A Corpse Bride', 'Frankenweenie', 'Fantastic Mr Fox', 'Shaun the Sheep', 'Creature Comforts', 'Rastamouse' to name but a few. Date to be confirmed at a future time depending on the availability of Tim and yourself.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £700 or more
About $1,121

SPECIAL OFFER!! WAS £750!! Would you like to see yourself as a 2D character? Character designer, Gillian Reid, will transform you (or a person of your choice) into a playful character, in keeping with the world of 'At-issue'. You will receive beautifully rendered, personalised art work, mounted and ready to display.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £2,500 or more
About $4,003

How do you fancy starring in 'At-issue' as a 2D character? Your character will be seen in numerous scenes and animated by top industry professionals. You will also receive a detailed character design, by Gillian Reid, and a character turn around to display proudly and remind you of your acting days!
Cost of postage and packaging may vary.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £3,000 or more
About $4,804

For this one off and unique reward, you will receive the complete design process when creating a stop-motion character. This includes a detailed character design (Gillian Reid), complete with turn around of the character and also - the piéce de résistance - a beautifully hand crafted maquette, based on the character designs - sculpted by the wonderfully talented Andrew Bloxham (Model Maker at Aardman Animations). A fantastic and rare reward - would make an excellent present!! We would also like to name you as our Executive Producer on the film credits. Thank you very much!
Cost of postage and packaging may vary.